Zero RH Powerlogic Olympic bib tights

These Powerlogic Olympic bib tights are the top tights in the range from Italian company Zero RH, and they're most notable for the unusual bib section that holds them in place.

The lower sections – both the black and the white panels – are made from what Zero RH call Icedry Gold 200 fabric, which is essentially a brush-backed nylon/elastane roubaix. It’s warm, breathable and quick drying, like most, although the high price doesn’t get you any windproof panels or double layers to provide extra protection from the cold.

The build quality is very good throughout. Most of the seams are flat stitched to minimise the possibility of chafing, the ankles come with high-end elasticated grippers, and you get excellent self-locking zips down there with reflective trim.

The anatomically shaped seatpad is decent quality too. It’s not the most high tech offering from Cytech’s Endurance range but the foam kept us comfy enough as we chalked up the big winter miles, and you get a decent amount of stretch in all directions. The surface fabric shifts moisture away from your body well and a central channel improves airflow to keep the atmosphere pleasant enough.

The most unusual feature of these tights is the “anallergic” (non-allergic) upper. Rather than standard roubaix or mesh straps over the shoulders, you get a harness-type arrangement with straps extending around the sides too. The straps are much narrower than normal, some sections very stretchy, some less so.

As with most other tights, there’s no adjustment to bib-section sizing, but there’s enough stretch here that we doubt you’ll need any. This design works fine to hold everything in place comfortably and securely. I wouldn’t say it’s any better on those scores than a standard arrangement, though. I’ve never had any trouble with a traditional design. To me, it’s just different rather than a step forward.

I’ve used these plenty over the past couple of months in all but the coldest weather. When the temperature has dropped below about 5°C I’ve put them to one side because I don’t find them warm enough, and gone for longs with windproof panels instead – although you might have an internal thermostat that’s set differently. They started to show signs of wear below the sit bones a bit earlier than I'd usually expect, and the white panels are no longer as white as they were but, that aside, they’re still looking good.

The thing is, though, that these are expensive. They’re well made tights with some good features, but they don’t do anything in terms of their technical performance that would make us want to spend this kind of cash.

Verdict

Well-made winter tights, but we're struggling with the price

road.cc test report

Make and model: Zero RH Powerlogic Olympic bib tights

Size tested: Large, black/white

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Here's the manufacturer's write up:

Technical Features

• Pre-formed anatomic construction

• “Gradual fit technology-Anallergic” braces

• “Grip fit technology-Anallergic” leg bottom, on the

surface

• Leg bottom Reflex zipper, with self-locking tab

• Variable tension appliqué work

• Ultra flat seams

Functions

Thanks to its incredible design details and combination of materials, this garment guarantees maximum warmth, breathability and elasticity. “Gradual fit” braces guarantee maximum freedom of movement. It’s the ideal garment for dedicated cyclists who like riding all through the winter.

Rate the product for quality of construction:

8/10

Rate the product for performance:

8/10

Rate the product for durability:

7/10

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:

7/10

Rate the product for value:

4/10

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? No - you can get a similar performance much, much cheaper

Would you recommend the product to a friend? No - same reason as above

Overall rating: 6/10

About the tester

Age: 40 Height: 190cm Weight: 74kg

I usually ride:My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, sportives, general fitness riding,

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Mat has worked for loads of bike magazines over 20+ years, and been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. He's been road.cc technical editor for eight years, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. We send him off around the world to get all the news from launches and shows too. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a past winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer.

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